UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On April 25, 11 undergraduate students representing Penn State campuses throughout Pennsylvania presented their research to an audience of legislators at the Undergraduate Research at the Capitol—Pennsylvania (URC-PA) conference.
Now in its 15th year, the poster conference offers students from colleges and universities across the Commonwealth the unique opportunity to present their research findings directly to policymakers and their staffs, allowing them to convey their passion for ideas that could ultimately benefit both the people of Pennsylvania and the world.
“Allowing students to participate in authentic research engages their intellectual curiosity, promotes their critical thinking, gives them an outlet for their creativity, and connects them with the realities and challenges of our time," said Jackie McLaughlin, associate professor of biology at Penn State Lehigh Valley.
“Research also helps shape students into the STEAM professionals, creative minds, and artistically talented individuals that enrich our society through their accomplishments, be it now or in their future," she continued. "Our state legislators need to appreciate that undergraduate research benefits both students and our society."